Tuesday, May 24, 2016

MnDOT conducting prescribed burns in NW Minnesota



BEMIDJI, Minn. – Local residents, motorists and others in Kittson, Marshall and Polk counties may see smoke from roadside controlled burns. The prescribed fires are controlled by trained crews and conducted within MnDOT rights of way during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Traffic should not be affected and all roadways and trails will remain open. When weather conditions allow the prescribed burns will take place in the following locations:

·         Highway 59 from Halma to Lake Bronson
·         Highway 75 from Stephen to Warren
·         Highway 75 north of Crookston
·         Highway 75 southwest of Crookston

The fires are used to improve native vegetation and weed control.

“While fire has some effects on weed and brush control,” said Ken Graeve, MnDOT Roadside Vegetation Management Unit. “Its primary benefit lies in creating healthier roadside vegetation that is better able to perform its roadside functions, including soil stabilization, storm water management, resistance to weed invasion, and blowing snow control in some situations.”

For more information on MnDOT’s prescribed fire vegetation management program, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/vegetation/fire.html.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always drive with caution and slowdown in work zones.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.